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The rei
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Oregon, \
Mr. I
ed debai
late hoi
amid a i
nitude c
his mini
to the ri
lated to
He r(
peace fi
said of 1
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, ■) "|(» "/■';■■•■ If'.' ■»/■' ' <•' 1 ''1,1
SPEECH
OP
.^ .1. I ... ,.,,
IK. WASHINGTON HUNT,
,ir; m' :• '.-•,,?■•
I »,
U'V,
OF NEW YORK,
ON
.•,:!' ;'<t(ti,
THE OREGON QUESTION.
;i' .1
!
. *
Delivered in the House of Representatives , U. S.y February Gth, 1846.
The resolution reported by the Committee on Foreign Affairs directing notice of twelve
months to be given to terminate the Convention with Great Britain for the joint occupation of
Oregoii, being under consideration in Committee of the Whole on the State of the Union —
Mr. HUNT said, that, wearied as he knew the House to be by tl)is protract-
ed debate, if he were to consult his personal inclinations, he would not, at that
late hour, prolong the discussion ; but he had endeavored, for several days,
amid a throng of eager competitors, to obtain the floor, feeling it due to the mag-
nitude of the question that he should briefly submit the views which influenced
his mind and governed his action in the vote he intended to give. He felt it due
to the rights of a constituency who are deeply concerned in all measures calcu-
lated to affect the pacific relations between the United States and Great Britain.
He represented a people who have been taught to appreciate the blessings of
peace from their experience of the vicissitudes of war. Whilst much had been
said of the exposed condition of our sea-board, and the defenceless condition of
some portions of the country, he would venture to afhrm, that no section is more
directly interested in preserving the public trant y than the Niagara frontier,
from which he came. Was it necessary to remuK the House of the thrilling
events and stirring conflicts which, in our last contest with England, had made
that border memorable in American annals ?
It was the theatre o** noble daring and brilliant exploits, which had invested
scenes of natural sublimity with the additional grandeur of historical interest and
association. It was there that Scott, Porter, and other gallant leaders, with the
brave men who followed them, by their valor and prowess, had won immortal
laurels for themselves, whilst they vindicated the power of the American arms,
and contributed so largely to our national glory and renown. On her bloody
fields their heroic deeds and victorious intrepidity had shed unfadii.? lustre on
the military fame of the country. But if it was a theatre of victory and glory, it
was also a scene of ca?amity and dismay. The frontier towns were desolated
by fire and sword, and our people were driven from their homes in pursuit of
safety and shelter. Truth forced him to add, that the disasters of war were ag-
gravated by the cold injustice of our own Government; few of those who
were deprived of their property and their homes, whilst they perilled their lives
in the national defence, having received any adequate remuneration. Congress
had turned a deaf ear upon their just and repeated demands for redress, till many
of them have ceased to hope for justice or reparation at your hands.
J. fc G. t*. Gideon, Primers.
iSMflfJ
ijiiisit ttsr.iiiy} *,
-fii;-' n'!:i>w tT,^
r,
w-%,
A-
In the event of another contest with England, that devoted frontier will agaii
become the theatre of conflict, and the people, of whom it was his pridt
to be the humble representative, will be among the first to hear the strife of bat
tie and the din of arms. The scenes of the last war will be renewed on a broad-
er scale, with the more poteat enginery of destruction which modern inventior,
has fabricated.
In these allusions to liis own section of the country, its past incidents and pre
sent posture, he hoped he might not be misunderstood. He was actuated by nc
sectional spirit. It was not his purpose, justified as he would be by the exam
pie of many gentlemen in this debate, to boast of the superior courage or patriot
ism of his constituents. He regarded such comparisons as invidious, if not un-
just. He confided in the patriotism and fidelity of the American people in al
quarters of the Union ; and never doubted their readiness or ability to maintair
the rights of the country with determined vigor and fearless spirit in every emer-
gency. When Uie trial comes, (if come it shall,) those for whom he spake will
be first to obey the summons ef their country, and among the foremost where
danger is to be found. Whilst no people cherish a more ardent desire for peace,
there are none in whon". the contemplation of war excites a smaller degree of per
sonal fear or apprehension.
They demand, as they have a right to expect, that those who are entrusted
with the management of national affairs shall not involve us in war withoui
clear, manifest, and overruling necessity. Thny will hold the Governnicnt re-
sponsible to use all just and honorable endeavors to avert the calamity. If sin-
cere and patriotic efforts to preserve the peace of the country shall prove una
vailing, and an appeal to arms in defence of national honor or national rights
becomes inevitable, then they will require of those whose duty it is to foresee
the impending storm, that they adopt timely measures of preparation, and placf
the country in a strong attitude of defence. Any neglect of this imperative duty
will bring down upon the Government the consuming indignation of the people,
Mr. H. said he was one of those who desired to preserve the peace of the
country on the lasting foundations of national honor and integrity. Some gen-
tlemen appear to regard the national honor as incompatible with peace. On the
contrary, he contended, that a spirit of moderation, which cherishes the peace oi
nations, is in harmony with the noblest dictates of honor and duty. Our true
policy, as a nation, is eminently pacific. If we are to advance in improvement,
civilization, and happiness, our progress must be made through the paths of tran-
quillity, under tlie benignant sway of peaceful counsels. He would not dwell
upon the genial blessings of peace, or descant upon die frightful train of suffer-
ing, degradation, and crime of which war is the prolific source. These topics
have been exhausted by others. With but i^vi exceptions, we hear expres-
sions, on all sides, of a desire for peace. It is true, the gentleman from Il-
linois (Mr. Douglass) declared, in a strain of sublime indifference, that he neither
knew or car«d whether war might result from pur action. In the raanagemeni
of a complicated question, which has employed the diplomatic skill of the Gov-
ernment for nearly thirty years, he proclaims that it matters not to him whethei
peace or war may ensue ; and that his course, is not to be influenced by any
regard to consequences of that nature. But he deceives himself if he believes
the people of the country are prepared to adopt a sentiment so offensive to hu-
manity, and so abhorrent to the civilization of the age in which we live.
In deliberating upon que.4tions of such grave importance, it is our first duty,
as rational and responsible representatives, to consider well the probable tenden^
cy and result of our action. To defy consequences, in a spirit of reckless and
vain-glorious bravado, is to sport witli the destinies of the nation, and the hap-
piness of mankind. May God save the country from the statesmanship and pa-
triotism which cares not for consequences! . > .'mr'i «5TObiKt,'' iij*
Mr. H.
ately undt
sident to 1
the Orego
few wordi
That w
by the Ct
real impo
was force
Uon, whi(
unquestio
in our ow
a plausibl
deny it, ii
istration (
whole is
U that we
have we
be said, t
our rights
eight yea
py Amer
To say
northern
ment con
propriate
of both t»
forbearar
In reg
river, to
a higher
ance, no
possessii
thereby
and poui
been see
a railroa
the Atla
foresee t
by open
America
world, i
mighty
world.
place us
Indies.
Therj
project ;
which 1
sent ger
wild, vi
enthusi;
this day
the pro"
»
tier will agaii
r&a his pridt
strife of bat
id on a broad-
ern inventior
dents and pre
ctuated by nt
by the exam
ige or patriot
us, if not UH'
people in al
ty to maintair
1 every emer-
le spake will
remost where
lire for peace,
degree of per
are entrusted
war withoui
JverDDient re-
ality. If sin-
all prove una-
ational rights
t is to foresee
on, and place
perative duty
af the people.
J peace of the
Some gen-
ace. On the
s the peace oi
y. Our true
improvement
paths of tran-
ild not dwell
ain of suffer-
These topics
hear expres-
Tian from II-
Jiat he neither
management
of the Gov-
him whether
need by any
■ he believes
ensive to hu-
live.
ur first duty,
)able tenden-
reckless and
nd the hap-
ship and pa-
Mr. H. said he intended to direct his remarks chiefly to the question immedi-
ately under consideration, and to discuss the expediency of authorizing the Pre-
sident to terminate the convention with Great Britain for the joint occupation of
tht Oregon territory ; but, before proceeding to that subject, he desiited to say a
few words in relation to the extent and value of our rights in Oregon.
That we have a clear title to all that portion of the territory which is drained
by the Columbia river — and which, in his opinion, was the only part of much
real importance to our national interests — there was no room for doubt ; but he
was forced to admit, that, in his judgment, our claim to the more northern por-
tion, which is drained by Frazer's river, does not rest upon the same clear and
unquestionable foundation Satisfactory as our title north of 49 degrees may be
in our own estimation, an impartial mind can hardly deny that England presents
a plausible claim of title, resting on priority of discovery and settlement. To
deny it, is an implied reflection upon the wisdom and patriotism of every admin-
istration of our own Government for the last thirty years. If our title to the
whole is clear and indisputable up tc 54° 40', and England has no rights, why is
U that we have allowed her to enjoy a joint possession since 1828? And why
have we repeatedly proposed to divide with her on the 49th parallel ? Will it
be said, that, whilst negotiating for a quarter of a century, we have not known
our rights, or have not dared to maintain them ? Did Gen. Jackson, during the
eight years that he filled the Executive chair, quietly permit the British to occu-
py American territory to which we have a clear and unquestionable title ?
To say nothing of the complicated questions which surround the title to the
northern portion of the country, the repeated concessions of our own Govern-
ment conclusively prove that the conflicting rights of the two nations are the ap-
propriate subject of negotiation, and he regarded it as alike the duty and interest
of both to proceed to an early adjustment of the controversy in a spirit of mutual
forbearance and concession.
In regard to the value of the southern part of Oregon, including the Columbia
river, to which our title is unquestionable, he believed few gentlemen had formed
a higher estimate than himself. He considered it of immense national import-
ance, not so much for its soil and productions, as its commercial position. Its
possession will ultimately secure to us an ascendancy in the trade of the Pacific,
thereby making " the uttermost parts of the earth" tributary to our enterprise,
and pouring into our lap " the wealth of Ormus and of Ind." Though he had
been sceptical at first, he was now convinced that the time is approaching when
a railroad communication will be accomplished, over our own national soil, from
the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is not in the power of human discernment to
foresee the mighty results, political and commercial, which are to be produced
by opening this new highway across the continent ; but that it will elevate the
American nation to a proud pre-eminence and ascendancy in the commercial
world, is sufficiently obvious, without the aid of prophetic power. When this
mighty work is consummated, it will open a new era in the commerce of the
world. Our position, as compared with the commercial nations of Europe, will
place us in speedy communication and near proximity with China and the East
Indies.
There are many who continue to view this continental railway as a chimerical
project ; but may not the same be said of most of the stupendous undertakings
which have been consummated in our country by the bold enterprise of the pre-
sent generation ? Thirty years ago many wise men viewed the Erie canal as a
wild, visionary, and impracticable scheme, and denounced its advocates as mad
enthusiasts. A railway to the Pacific is not so bold and formidable a project at
this day, as was the Erie canal in its original conception, when you consider
the progress of invention and the comparative ability of the country. ^^ ^'^'»'
7 r o f O''?
n
But (Mr. H. said) he must abandon these collateral topics, and proceed to the
question more distinctly before the committee. For twenty>eight years the Oregon
territory has been occupied by the United States and Great Britain, under the treat-
ties of 1818 and 1827, which placed the country open to both, andgave to each an
equal right of settlement and occupation whilst the treaty shall continue in force ;
either party having the right, under the treaty of 1827, to terminate the compact
by giving twelve months* notice to the other. The President of the United
States, to whom the Constitution has entrusted the conduct of our foreign rela*
tions, has recommended that this notice be given. If we would form a safe
opinion of the probable effect of the measure, and ascertain the course to which
duty and policy would guide us, we must carefully consider the actual posture of
affairs. Deeply as we may regret the existing attitude of the question, we are
compelled to meet it as it stands, in view of facts from which we, who are not
responsible Tor them, have no power of escape. He would repeat what he had
already said, that he viewed this Oregon controversy as the appropriate subject
of amicable negotiation and settlement. That it might now be adjusted on terms
honorable to both countries, but for the party aspects which the question has
been made to assume within the last two years, he entertained no doubt.
At the opening of the last Presidential campaign, the party now in the ascen-
dant were reduced to a desperate extremity. Their legitimate candidateis, to
whom public attention had been directed, and their prominent party measures,
were known to be unacceptable to the country, and it was sagaciously deter-
mined to infuse into the canvass new elements of agitation. Candidates before
unheard of were placed before the country, and new issues were invented, to ex-
cite the public imagination. Texas and Oregon were proclaimed by the Balti-
more convention as "great Democratic measures," and a spirit of conquest was
aroused which set at naught the peaceful and moderate policy which had direct-
ed the previous counsels of the country. Our title to the whole of Oregon was
declared to be clear and unquestionable. A question of foreign relations which
had embarrassed preceding administrations, and to the successful management of
which the highest skill, forbearance, and concert of parties, were indispensable,
was seized upon as a party affair, and dragged down from its national position
to the arena of political contest and domestic strife. It was from no desire to
disturb party feelings in any quarter that he alluded to these unfortunate events,
but because they had become so incorporated with the question, as to form a ma-
terial part of the subject. This ill-starred conjunction of foreign affairs with in-
ternal politics was the chief cause of our present difficulty. In respect to our
relations with other countries, there should be but one party, and the American
people ought to present an united front to the world. In the name of j,ustice,
patriotism, and decency, he would inquire by what right, or with what good mo-
tive, any political party seized upon questions of foreign policy as their own
exclusive property and concern ? He hoped the embarrassments in which we
now find ourselves involved, will serve as a warning to the people in all future
time.
Upon this Oregon question, artfully intermingled with other issues, the new
Administration finds itself seated in power. The President enters upon negotia-
tions, under the responsibility of constitutional obligations, his hands tied by pre-
vious declarations and party resolves. To exercise his authority in accordance
with the pretensions by which he acquired it is found impossible, and he wisely
decides to propose a surrender of nearly half the territory which he had previ-
ously declared to be ours by clear and unquestionable title. Far be it from me
to censure that proposal. It had received the general approbation of the coun-
try. In making the proffer, the Executive had shown that he felt his obliga-
tions to preserve the peace of the country, notwithstandbg the authority of the
Baltimo
refractoi
amount
Butti
failefl, a
Iquisite i
termine
this ryc(
barrass
justmen
tirely fr
elusion
over tht
dition.
Executi
'clause,
Itled by
• Sevei
opinion
itermina
and his
gress.
fthe sub
ione, to
^tion opi
fchosen
•tutional
united 1
Iper exe
iPresidt
'|tions IS
Und pie
I Mr.
Twhich
jfelt cor
,k spee(
tiation.
difficul
tliority
•Control
tjconseq
^xecu
.Iriends
©y a s
gans, J
claim I
the toi
flame i
trayed
smagog
liwellii
■%le8 an
• will e<
ititle to
towan
proceed to the Baltimore resolutions, which have been read here so frequently to sHence the
eara the Oregon refractory into submission, ac if they possessed a binding force and validity par-
under the treat- amount to the Constitution.
gave to each an gut the efforts of the two Governments to settle the controversy have thus far
itinue in force ; failecl, and now the President calls upon Congress to provide for giving the re-
te the compact i^uisite notice to terminate the joint occupation. The real question for us to d^-
01 the United termine, in view of the present posture of affairs, is, whether a compliance with
ur foreign rela. j},ig recommondalion will be calculated to increase the danger of war, or to em-
form a safe barrass the endeavors of the two countries to bring the subject to a friendly ad-
Burse to which justnient. On this point (Mr. H. said) he confessed his mind had not been en-
stual posture of tirely free from t,mbarrassment ; but mature reflection had led him to the con-
icstion, we are elusion that it is safer and wiser to give the President ^ull, discretionary power
e, who ^1*^ i^ot 0ygr ^he subject, than to leave the question in its present doubtful, indefinite con-
it what he had ^ition. He was prepared to vote for a resolution conferring authority upon the
opriate subject Executive to give the notice at his own proper discretion, with an additional
usted on terras ^iguse, expressive of the sense of Congress that the controversy ought to be set-
; question has |ned by peaceful negotiation.
doubt. I Several considerations concurred to bring hi? mind to this conclusion. In his
V m the ascen- Opinion, the President now has full constitutional power to give the notice and
candidates, to terminate the treaty, whenever in his judgment the public interest requires it;
arty measures, ^^nd his authority, in this respect, cannot be enlarged by any resolution of Con-
iciously deter- gross. But, since he doubts or disclaims the sufficiency of his power, and refers
ndidates before ,the subject to the legislative branch of the Government, he was unwilling, for
iivented, to ex- ^^e, to furnish hifti or his advisers any ground or temptation to keep the ques-
l by the Balti- ^tjo^ gpg^ Jq^ purposes of political agitation and excitement. The people have
•^u'i?'!f^^- ^*^ fchosen to entrust him with the conduct of our foreign affairs, and as the consti-
en ^^^^^' 'tutional responsibility rests upon him, let the power and the responsibility be
)t Oregon was united beyond all cavil, and the country will hold him answerable for their pro-
eiations which fpgp exercise. Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the power of the
naanageraentof |President to give the notice, all must perceive that his control over the negotia-
indispensable, 'itions is such as to make the settlement of the question dependant upon his will
tional position ^^d pleasure. • h .so ; -:„ . ,,, ,
m no desire to <^ Mr. H. said it was obvious to him, that the difficulty had reached a crisis
rtunate events, .which made early action necessary to preserve the peace of the country. He
I to form a ma- s(q\i convinced that delay is more dangerous than action. Unless it is brought to
iffairs with in- ,^ speedy settlement, he believed it never would be terminated by friendly nego-
respect to our tiation. Every year will produce new obstacles, and render its adjustment more
the American iJifficult. If Congress decline to act, and withhold from the President the au-
raie of j,ustice, vthority he asks, we assume a great responsibility, whilst we have no power to
vtizt good mo- -control the negotiations, and virtually subject ourselves to imputation for any evil
as their own ;^onsequences that may follow. Suppose we resist the recommendation of the
m whieh we Executive, and refuse to authorize the notice, what will have been gained by the
in all future .jfriends of national tranquility ? The country will be harassed and convulsed
©y a system of popular agitation. The partisan press of the country, the or-
sues, the new gans, great and small, which pander to popular prejudice and passion, will pro-
upon negotia- claim that the whole of Oregon is ours. " The whole or none !" will be made
Is tied by pre- the touchstone of patriotism, and the watchword of the faithful. They will in-
in accordance flqme the national susceptibility. They will insist that our rights have been be-
UA ^" ?^ trayed, and that the nation is humbled at the footstool of a foreign power. De-
16 had previ- imagogues will grow brave, defy the British, and make the welkin ring with
e It from me ^welling words of patriotic purpose— fighting, with impunity, tremendous bat-
1 of the coun- ^es and bloody sieges in prospective. Partisan assemblages and Oregon clubs
Bit his obliga- ..•^iU echo back the war-cry, proclaim their desperate resolves, and assert a clear
hority of the jtitle to 54° 40'. The spirit of conquest wll stalk abroad, and national antipathy
towards Britain will be aroused by perpetual appeals. It is but too apparent
^
i
6
that, with all this enginery of clamor and commotion, the public feeling will .^^^.
inflamed till it is placed beyond the power of any Administration to compromit^^
or adjust the difficulty, and then war becomes inevitable. For one, he was uw ^^
willing to expose the peace of the country, on a question like this, to the wint^g]
and waves of popular agitation. He preferred to locate the responsibility at oncT^l
where the Constitution had intended to place it, upon the Executive branch (T |
the Government, to be exercised under the restraints of official accountability. ^^^^^
If these apprehensions are deemed visionary in any quarter, he would repl
«nel
that the events of 1844 are still fresh in his recollection, and after having 8een!|^
majority of the country enlist in the crusade for Texas and Oregon, with ^^^\^q
probability that the peace of the country would be the forfeit, he must be pe^^
mitted to hesitate before he consented to tempt ambition or recklessness to a x^
newal of the experiment. i^^j,t
He wished to present another consideration which deserved serious weighj^^j,.
If this question is kept open for the sport of demagogues, the prosperity of tir |^ .
country will be blighted by warlike rumors and apprehensions. In an uncertaii ^^ |^j
precarious peace, business is paralized, enterprise comes to a stand, and a con|j|^^
plete stagnation is produced in the circulation and employment of capital. Di'Vu. ej
trust and panic pervade the commercial world, and there is an end of large undeijgy^^j^j
takings. The presence of the enemy is not more disastrous, in some respectSj^ ,j^
than the constant-dread of his coming. It is our duty, if possible, to place thij;g^.y
question on such grounds as shall promote its speedy settlement. By no othe _^ ^^
means can we impart to the country that confidence and security which sustaij^jy
honest industry and enterprise, and ensure prosperity in the varied pursuits cj^i'in
life. In this view of the subject, he was convinced that inaction on our P*»iJ«end|
will expose the country to more serious embarrassment than can result from th_^ qJ
adoption of a resolution in proper form conferring ample powers on the Execuj^y ^jj
tive.
Mr. II. said, if the considerations that he had suggested had not removed ai,
doubt from his mind, there was yet another view of the subject which appears
aiice
po
to him conclusive. A bill had passed the House at the last session to extend ou^^^^
laws and jurisdiction over the American population in Oregon, and a simila^j-j ,
measure is now pending. It is proposed to establish military and civil authoritSg ^
there, to create military posts, courts of justice, Indian agencies, post offices ^ j^
land offices, and such other institutions as are necessary to the practical assertioi -^gg^^
and maintenance of our sovereignty over the country. It seems to be conceded y^tivf
on all sides, that we are to enforce our jurisdiction at least to the same exteii ^1
that Great Britaiii has done by her acts of Parliament. It must be admitted f<^^^\
that there are many reasons in favoi of extending protection to our citizens wIk ggfQ,
have settled there, and it cannot be deferred for any considerable period. What \^xm
ever may be thought of the wisdom or the folly of our people in severing thi ^gj,
ties of home, and abandoning the comforts and blessings of civilized society, t( ||oq]
encounter the hardships of a dreary, perilous march over the Rocky Mountains ^j
and the privations of the wilderness in a country inferior in most respects to th g^pu
soil of their nativity, still they are American citizens, and so long as they do no
transcend our territorial limits, they are entitled to the protection and care of tht
Government.
But it was evident to him, that this measure is far more liable to disturb oui
peaceful relations with England, than any other step that has been proposed
That two separate Goi'ernments can at once exercise an independeat jurisdiqtioi;
over the same country without coming into collision, is, in the nature of things,
a molral impois^ibility. Thoiigh British subjects may be specially excepted from
ihe operation of our laws, that precaution will not remove the danger of coitflict.
For it must be bonie in mind, that the Americans and British, dwelling in near
proximity, are in daily intercourse, and mutual dealings are carried on betweer,
afgu
vipM
coui
ties
llpt
ffita
pos
tfn\
1»ut
autl
out
public feelinjBT will
tVlii* Wiicn controversies arise between an Anierieun and a British subject, ur
tration to coniDr '^^^' ""'*'" controversies arise oetween an American anu a uniisii sunjeci, or
For one he "^" ^" individual of one nation commits an offence upon the other, which class
ike this to th '"^ courts is to have jurisdiction of the case? Will Americans submit to be ar-
win
responsibility at one]
Executive branch '
f
led by British otficers and tried by British judges; or will British subjects
eeably consent to become amenable to our authorities ? It is idle to expect
cial accountabilt * Under the most favorable auspices, a double system of (Government, each
rter, he would 1 1'**'*^'"^ * separate allegiance, and asserting its control over members of the
d after bavin? s ^ '^® community, cannot harmoniously co-exist in the exercise of lawful autho-
Oreffon witf "'^' -A-mongst wild and adventurous men. impatient of legal restraint — men
feit, he must be ^^"^^ ''^^^ overleaped the Rocky Mountains, and who carry arms in their hands
recklessness t ^^f" ready to resent wrongs and defend rights, real or imaginary — to suppose
tljiB intricate machinery of double government, can be successfully conducted,
•ved serious ' ? ^^''^"^ conllict or violence, betrays a degree of credulity in which he could not
e prosneritv of ^/'•"^i^^iP''^^*
s. In an un • ' '^' presupposes thatthe tnen of Oregon, bold and reckless spirits as many of them''
a stand and ^""^ known to be, are too perfect to require the restraints of civil Government and
'nt of caoital ^|^"^4thority. Of all the plans that have bcon advanced, he coui^idered this scheme
end of iaro- ' t ''"^ extending our laws over that country the most warlike in itself, and the most
5 in some " ^^rtain to produce collision and bloodshed. Vot it in viewed as a peace measure
'ssible to nl thv '"'^"y "^ those who consider the giving of notice an inevitable cause of war.
' Bv n .. tiseeins to be believed, tjiat a belligerent act will be innocent and inolfensive,
iritv which ^ !^^^^^ ^° S'^^' "otice of your intention would prove fatal to the peace of the coun-
e varied nur > ^^W- ^^^ could not restrain his surprise at tlie opposition whi(!h is made to con-
laction on ' ^ ^i"'"S authority upon the President to give the notice, by several gentlemen,
ult f '^ ^ff^^"*^^ "^ '^*^ Administration, whilst they insist that our title is clear to the whole
Srera on thp V Oregon, and avow their readiness to establish our sovereignty over it at once
^^%f the erection of civil and military establishments.
ad not remo H "Whilst they see imminent peril in authorizing the notice, which is in accord-
ct which an ^^^^ with the treaty, they perceive no peril in direct practical n.easures for taking
ision to ext i^'^^P*>S'''^ssion of the territory in contravention of the spirit and purpose of the con-
'on and a ' m!'^'^^^'^""* Alarmed at a measure peaceful in itself, and which England cannot re-
and' civil auth™ ^^'^'^ ^^ indicative of hostility, yet they are ready to rush onward to the brink of
Jcies Dost ffl*"^^ precipice, and at once adopt the system of policy which alone can make
practical a ?-^'^ notice offensive; for, it must be obvious, that unaccompanied by the pro-
is to be con ^yi-P®^^^ ^^*^ °^ sovereignty and settlement, the notice must be harmless and inope-
nust be ad ^^f !l '^'^^ certainty that we are about to exercise jurisdiction over the territory,
our citize » constituted the strongest reason, in his mind, for terminating the joint occupation.
e period W^ " ^^^^^ entering upon acts of sovereignty there, he maintained, that we are first
, jjj gg * • f hound to ascertain our rights and fix our limits in such mode as shall entitle us to
ilized soci"f t ^P^lusive and undisputed possession. It is contended, that, whilst the notice
ockv Mount^' ^^^^^ ^^ received as the signal for war, if we proceed quietly to take possession
ist respects to th
g as they do no
1 and care of the
)le to disturb ou!
been proposed
deatjuriadiqtioi:
posses
ignal fc
assert our sway, England will acquiesce without complaint, and we will thus
saicure the country without a struggle. Nothing can be more fallacious than this
afgument, or more unreasonable than the anticipation that Great Britain will
vipw with indifference the spread of our population and laws ovei: Oregon. To
counteract our progress she will extend her own establishments, and the difficul-
ties of the controversy will continue to accumulate. If the two countries can-
apt now agree on terms of compromise, will the increase of population and ca-
lature of th' §*^^ ^^ ^^^ territory serve to subdue their tenacity and produce more liberal dis-'
y except d f"^^ positions ? On the contrary, if we would preserve the peace of the country,
nfferof ^ fl^° **^ ^^^^^ *^^® calamities of ultimate war, it must be consummated, not by delay,
Iwellin ^'^ *"' ^^^ ^y svich wise, moderate, yet decisive action, as shall constrain the proper
•ied on^*^ "^°' authorities of the two Governments to bting this matter to an artangemeirt with-
etween ^^^ further procrastination. As the friend of peace, he hoped a proposition
n
\
%
may be ailupted which will give the Prdsideiit ample powers, accompanied by
an expression of the sense of Congress, that the controversy ought to be settled
by pacific negotiation.
For the proper exercise of its powers, let the Administration stand amenable
to the country and to posterity. He hoped our action would be such as to im-
press upon the Executive authority of both nations the necessity of bringing this
contest to a conclusion. It is evident that England desires its termination ; and
he believed she is prepared to unite with us in conditions of settlement, alike
honorable to both parlies. Under a |)roper expression from Congress, he was
unwilling to believe the President will fail to make an honest endeavor to bring
the difficulty to an adjustment. In this respect, he confessed he felt less appre-
hension than some others ; for he was fully convinced that the administration
neither intends or expects a war with England. If bold language had been em-
ployed, it was intended for domestic effect, and not to break the peace of the
world. Let us look at the official action of the Executive as the true exponent
of his intentions. Has he recommended to Congress any measures of prepara-
tion for defence, any increase ot military or naval force, ai./ augmentation of the
public resources ? In a word, any measure whatever indicating an apprehension
that the peaceful relations of the country are to be disturbed ? So far from ask-
ing an increase of revenue, he recommends a reduction of imposts. That he or
his cabinet council intend to pursue a war policy, and expose the country to an
attack from the most powerful nation of the world, whilst they fail to sus^rest to
Congress any measures whatever in anticipation of the emergency v ^uld in-
volve a responsibility, and indicate an atrocious enormity of purpose, which he
was not prepared to impute, and he would not believe it without proof. If he
was deceived, and it shall appear that the Administration are determined to de-
lay or prevent a friendly arrangement of the controversy, we all know that the
power of the Executive is ample already ; and if he shall exercise it for the sub-
version of the national peace and happiness, upon his head the consequences
must rest.
That the differences between the countries are susceptible of fair and equita-
ble arrangement, on principles eminently honorable to both, seems too clear to
admit of dispute. Fearful must be the retribution that will be visited upon either
Government which, by sullen pertinacity or extreme pretensions, shall shock
the civilisation of the age, and violate the peace of the world.
In conclusion, Mr. H. made an earnest appeal to the friends of the measure to
place the resolution in such proper and fitting form as shall enable moderate, ra-
tional men, who cherish the peace, honor, and dignity of the country, to unite
in its support. He trusted the friends of the Administration, who brought it into
power, and confide in its wisdom and patriotism, will consent to the modifica-
tion proposed by the gentleman from Alabama. (Mr. Hilliard,) by which
the power to be conferred will be exercised upon the official judgment and dis-
cretion of the President. In this form it cannot embarrass pending negotiations,
but may serve to fortify and strengthen the hands of the Executive. He appeal-
ed to them to give an united expression in favor of peaceful negotiation, that our
action may not be misinterpreted by the country or the world. Nothing will
more surely tend to preserve peace than a display of union and concert in
our national councils. Let our proceedings be such as shall deserve to be ap-
proved by the enlightened judgment and patriotism of the country, and then, if
war shall come, a spirit of justice will sanction the confiict, and the honor of the
country will be vindicated by the resistless energies of a united people.
In our action upon a question like the present, mvolving the issues of peace
and war, it becomes us to proceed in a spirit of moderation, patriotism-, and mag-
nanimity worthy the fame and the destiny of a great nation. ■ "• •-» "» '•-
I
accuiupanied by
gilt to be settled
stand amenable
e such as to im-
of bringing this
rmination ; and
ettlement, alike
ingress, he was
ideavor to bring
felt less appre-
administration
e had been em-
B peace of the
( true exponent
res of prepara-
lentation of the
n apprehension
0 far from ask-
s. That he or
; country to an
il to sueraest to
;ncy v ^uld in-
•ose, which he
1 proof. If he
ermined to de-
know that the
it for the sub-
consequences
air and equita-
ns too clear to
Eid upon either
I, shall shock
he measure to
moderate, ra-
mtry, to unite
wrought it into
the modifica-
',) by which
ment and dis-
negotiations,
He appeal-
ition, that our
Nothing will
d concert in
jrve to be ap-
', and then, if
honor of the
pie. 1 hi
ues of peace
;ni^ and mag-
' I
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